Pianist and provocateur Connie Han has created an edgy blend of modern and traditional jazz with her incendiary Mack Avenue Records debut CRIME ZONE. At 23, this young lioness is on a fast-climbing trajectory to jazz stardom with rave reviews from The New York Times, Jazziz Magazine, Downbeat Magazine, and more. According to Downbeat Magazine, Han has “already absorbed the post-bop piano masters” with “all the technical mastery she’ll ever need.” The New York Times describes her as “the rare musician with fearsome technical chops, a breadth of historical knowledge and enough originality to write tunes that absorb your ear easily.” Weaving in and out of the tradition, Han pays tribute to McCoy Tyner, Mulgrew Miller, and Kenny Kirkland with her own unique edge and fire at the piano.
Her connection to jazz began at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. After graduation, Han accepted a full-tuition scholarship to UCLA but chose to leave school after three weeks to pursue her professional career. It was at this time she sought out drummer/producer Bill Wysaske to begin work on what would eventually culminate her signing with Mack Avenue Records.
In 2019, Han became a Steinway Artist, joining an exquisite circle of renowned artists such as McCoy Tyner, Art Tatum, Kenny Barron, and Duke Ellington.
“This record is meant to be a statement about being rebellious… but within the tradition,” Han explains. “It’s provocative and fresh in its own way while still honoring the rich legacy of jazz.” The title, CRIME ZONE, reinforces how I brand myself as an artist: a provocateur of creative music.” “With this album she’s booking a place as a star in the jazz firmament of tomorrow,” says All About Jazz.” Watch out for Connie Han, the face (and shape) of jazz to come.”
Jazziz Magazine claims, “Han has been labeled a rising star and rightfully so — she’s an intriguing artist with mastery over her instrument as well as a deft bandleader. Given the maturity and brilliance she demonstrates on ‘CRIME ZONE’, perhaps ‘rising’ could be dropped from that designation.”
.